A cryptic message about 'drama' and another about being grateful for a life once prayed for have marked actor Trisha Krishnan's return to social media, days after her name was dragged into a controversy involving former Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. 

Trisha resurfaced on Instagram by sharing pictures from her grandmother's 98th birthday celebrations.

She later posted two messages on her Instagram Stories, neither of which directly mentioned Udhayanidhi, the controversy or any individual.

The first message read, 'Drama at this age is embarrassing… Go make some money and find peace.'

She followed it with another post featuring an evil eye emoji. It said, 'What a privilege it is to be overwhelmed by a life you once prayed for.'

The posts are Trisha's first apparent social media activity following the latest controversy surrounding her name. While the actor has not publicly referred to the row in either post, their timing has drawn considerable attention online.

Trisha's mother also shares cryptic message

The speculation gained further traction after Trisha's mother shared a cryptic Instagram Story of her own.

Her post carried the caption 'Last one, Best One' and included a list of reminders such as working out, skincare, drinking water, making money, being nice to people and 'mind your business.'

Like Trisha's messages, her mother's post did not name Udhayanidhi or directly address the controversy.

How did the Udhayanidhi-Trisha controversy begin?

The controversy erupted after Udhayanidhi addressed a protest meeting in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water issue.

During the event, members of the gathering reportedly chanted Trisha's name. Udhayanidhi allegedly responded with a double-meaning remark involving the actor, triggering a political and legal controversy.

Thanjavur police subsequently registered a case against Udhayanidhi under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.

Udhayanidhi was later arrested from his Chennai residence and taken to Thanjavur for questioning. After being questioned for around 90 minutes, he was released on station bail.

The controversy has since expanded into a wider political confrontation. The DMK has alleged political vendetta, while the ruling side and others have criticised Udhayanidhi over the alleged remarks.

Against this backdrop, Trisha's carefully worded Instagram messages have added another layer of intrigue to a controversy in which the actor herself has so far made no direct reference to the dispute.